Woolworths stops food demonstrations, limits items per customer – here’s what other retailers are doing
Coronavirus-linked rationing is becoming more widespread as South African retailers continue to struggle with empty shelves.
The latest to join the trend is Woolworths. The chain has set a limit of 5 units per product per customer.
“We have seen a marked increase in sales of certain products in-store and online and we are working to meet the increase in demand,” said a spokesperson. “We would like to assure our customers that we are working with our suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of our products so that everyone has access to the food and essentials they need.”
As an additional precaution, Woolworths will also suspend all in-store food demonstration services and are re-assessing food displays and offerings, as many of these offerings are open to the air.
The novel coronavirus is a respiratory illness, which means it typically spreads via airborne droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets carrying viral particles can land on someone else’s nose or mouth or get inhaled.
New research shows the virus can live on copper for 4 hours, cardboard for 1 day, and plastic for 3 days. Transmission via food is considered to be at a low risk at this stage, says the United States Food and Drug Administration. Of a higher risk is catching the virus from someone sneezing or coughing near your food or delivering it.
Retailers have urged all South Africans not to panic, saying they have enough stock to prevent shortages.
But as a result of even more demand they are now implementing limits on what consumers can purchase, in order to make sure everyone gets stock.
Here is the list of retailers that are limiting stock and by how much:
The list will be updated regularly as confirmed information is received from retailers
Source: businessinsider.co.za